In this conversation, we explore how worship, music, and even church architecture influence the way we encounter God. From the awe of ancient cathedrals to the simplicity of a living room or open field, we talk about how real worship isn’t confined to walls or production — it’s born in moments where love meets love. We discuss the beauty of sacred spaces, the loss of wonder in modern worship, and what it looks like to encounter God with undivided attention.

In this episode of The Listening Porch, Ray Hughes shares the heart behind the name itself — why porches once mattered so much, how storytelling shaped families and cultures, and what we lose when we trade real connection for technology. From Irish legends to front porch memories, this conversation reminds us that stories are sacred spaces — and that listening itself is an art form.

In this episode of The Listening Porch, Ray Hughes and Eric Yun dive into the beauty of creative freedom — how every artist, poet, and musician carries the potential for a new revolution when they stop trying to fit in. They discuss how styles evolve, how comparison can kill creativity, and how to rediscover the purity of making art just because it’s in you. From the birth of musical genres to the heart behind prophetic art, this conversation will remind you that what finds its way into your heart will always find its way into your art. Topics include: The power of cross-cultural creativity The danger of imitation without authenticity How revolutions in music start from genuine expression The art of listening for your own sound

In this episode of The Listening Porch, Ray Hughes explores what happens when music moves from being lived to being consumed. Drawing from his book 107 Things I Forgot to Say About Worship, Creativity, and Music, Ray unpacks how the invention of technology—from the microphone to the radio—shifted music from porches and fields to studios and stages. What began as a divine sound born from place and purpose became a business built on access and control. But somewhere in that evolution lies an invitation: to recover the song that’s still inside us. Topics include: - Why “listening to music” and “being a song” are two different things - How the music industry evolved from access to control - Biblical roots of music as sound, place, and presence - The prophetic role of musicians, troubadours, and poets through history - Why technology redefined what worship sounds like - How to find your own “porch” again in a digital world Referenced Scripture & Themes: Psalm 33:3 — “Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” 1 Samuel 10:5 — “You will meet a procession of prophets... playing lyres, tambourines, flutes, and harps before them.” 2 Chronicles 5:13–14 — The unity of musicians bringing down glory. Ephesians 5:19 — “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” -- Join Selah Creatives: Get access to all of Ray’s online courses, teachings, monthly live Zoom gatherings, and a community of over 100 like-spirited creatives → selahonline.teachable.com/p/selah-creatives Support Ray on Patreon: Receive his personal poetry, prose, and creative writings not shared anywhere else → patreon.com/rayhughes

In this episode of The Listening Porch, Ray and Eric talk about the kind of creativity that no one else will ever see — songs, poems, prayers, and moments meant only for God. They start with one of the short reflections from 107 Things I Forgot to Say — “Write a song today that you don’t want anyone to hear but God.” From there, the conversation unfolds into the tension between honesty and performance, filters and freedom, and how humility often shows up in the cracks of our lives. Highlights: Why the most honest songs might be the ones no one else hears How to remove creative filters by writing “only for God” The cracks of humility where God truly meets us David, Psalm 51, and the difference between Saul’s hardened heart and David’s broken one How hidden worship restores authenticity and intimacy with God

Starting from a passage in Ray’s book 107 Things I Forgot to Say, Ray and Eric explore how music becomes the language of those who laugh, live, long, and love. The conversation moves from laughter as warfare and healing, to music as the breath of life, to songs that hold the ache of longing, to melodies born of love itself. This episode touches everything from Psalm 2’s laughter of God, to the cry in Appalachian bluegrass, to Korean worship melodies that carry generational pain and hope. It’s a rich, wandering conversation about sound, spirit, and the way music reveals God in the hidden corners of the human heart. -- Join Selah Creatives: Get access to all of Ray’s online courses, teachings, monthly live Zoom gatherings, and a community of over 100 like-spirited creatives → selahonline.teachable.com/p/selah-creatives Support Ray on Patreon: Receive his personal poetry, prose, and creative writings not shared anywhere else → patreon.com/rayhughes Visit Ray's Website: RayHughes.org

In this first episode of The Listening Porch with Ray Hughes, we explore a question that has echoed through history: If the church changes the way it understands music and worship, can it change the world? From Luther’s hymns to the songs of the Wesley brothers, every reformation has carried a sound. Ray unpacks how music, creativity, and worship not only shape the church but ripple outward into culture itself. Join us on the porch as we rediscover the power of song to awaken hearts, reform communities, and carry the purposes of God into the world. In this episode, you’ll hear about: • Why every revival and reformation has a sound • How music has historically shaped faith and culture • Worship as more than music — a language of heaven • The role of creativity and wonder in carrying God’s purposes • Why the church’s song matters for the world’s future -- Join Selah Creatives: Get access to all of Ray’s online courses, teachings, monthly live Zoom gatherings, and a community of over 100 like-spirited creatives → selahonline.teachable.com/p/selah-creatives Support Ray on Patreon: Receive his personal poetry, prose, and creative writings not shared anywhere else → patreon.com/rayhughes Visit Ray's Website: RayHughes.org

Storytellers are the guardians of memories, Ray tells us. In this episode, Ray shares some of the memories of his early years and how the stories of our lives give shape to the people we become.  These formative memories of family history encourage us that our memories, even the darker, painful ones can become a wellspring of hope and redemption for generations to come.

The Places we love have a profound ability to awaken wonder in our hearts and fill us with a sense of purpose and destiny.  In this episode, Ray shares about his love of Wales, Scotland and Ireland a how a prophetic encounter set him on a lifelong course of discovering how deeply these lands were woven into his heart.

In this episode, Ray Hughes shares from his lifelong study of King David and shows how this misfit shepherd boy’s unwavering pursuit of God’s presence shaped his legacy as a poet, worship leader, and king. Ray emphasizes the timeless relevance of David’s story, highlighting how his longing for God expressed through music continues to inspire generations and shape the language of worship today.

In today’s conversation, Ray shares about the generational power of storytelling. This episode spans everything from the importance of paying attention to learning the difference between a distraction and a daydream.

In this conversation,Stephen and Ray are continuing the discussion on fascination imagination and wonder, adding to it a bit about storytelling, songwriting, and how dialect impacts destiny.

In this opening conversation, Ray Hughes shares his timeless wisdom on the topics of fascination, imagination and wonder. As creatives and followers of Jesus, nurturing these expressions of faith are vital to living a full and vibrant life.  Tune in to hear Ray share insights on how we can move beyond dull obligation to a religious life and maintain a sense of wonder for the long haul.

Hello Everybody.  I am thrilled to announce a new series of conversations here on The Listening Porch. Each week, starting Friday, February 2nd, (that’s Groundhog Day in case you were wondering,) my good friend Stephen Roach will be joining me for a series of talks about life, faith and the creative journey I’ve traveled.  We’re calling these talks Deep Roots and Tangled Limbs. I believe these candid conversations will inspire and encourage you in your own creative pursuits.  - Ray

I'd like to wish you a Happy New Year!   Visit The Listening Porch online! You can view a video version of this episode and help support the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/rayhughes. You can also sign up for one of my online courses at www.rayhughes.org or check out my beautiful, handmade ink pens at redriverturning.com.

Somebody asked me, "What is Beauty"? Here's what I told them.  Visit The Listening Porch online! You can view a video version of this episode and help support the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/rayhughes. You can also sign up for one of my online courses at www.rayhughes.org or check out my beautiful, handmade ink pens at redriverturning.com.

Today I'd like to tell you about my new book.  Visit The Listening Porch online! You can view a video version of this episode and help support the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/rayhughes. You can also sign up for one of my online courses at www.rayhughes.org or check out my beautiful, handmade ink pens at redriverturning.com.

I'd like to tell you about the man who saved the Smoky Mountains, Horace Kephart.  Visit The Listening Porch online! You can view a video version of this episode and help support the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/rayhughes. You can also sign up for one of my online courses at www.rayhughes.org or check out my beautiful, handmade ink pens at redriverturning.com.

Join me for a little porch chat about prayer and meditation  Visit The Listening Porch online! You can view a video version of this episode and help support the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/rayhughes. You can also sign up for one of my online courses at selahministries.com or check out my beautiful, handmade ink pens at redriverturning.com.

I'd like to tell you about the smartest man from the Hill of Beans, Bogey Duffer.   Visit The Listening Porch online! You can view a video version of this episode and help support the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/rayhughes. You can also sign up for one of my online courses at selahministries.com or check out my beautiful, handmade ink pens at redriverturning.com.